RUGBYIW RUGBY Club had an enjoyable tour to Belgium recently, taking part in the Ghent International 15-a-side tournament.
Though the IW were not successful in a playing sense, they won many friends with their attractive style of rugby and good humour, securing the much coveted award for best touring team for the third consecutive time on a continental tour.
Opening against the eventual tournament winners was a bridge too far for the Island, losing seven tries to nil to Wyvern Warriors, a team drawn from National League side Hereford. Matters improved only slightly against Welsh club Chepstow in game two, losing 5-1. The IW did score their first try of the weekend near the end of this game, when IW player of the tournament Adam Leal set up Josh Collinson for an excellent chip and chase finish.
The Islanders were more focused on the second day’s play. They faced host club and eventual runners-up Ghent RFC firstly, losing 2-1 in difficult conditions, with a try from fly-half Scott Truss. Now in the plate semi-final, the IW saved their best rugby for their clash against Midlands side Towcestrians, losing 3-2 to a team ranked much higher in the league structure. Tries in this game were scored by Simon Boulter and Will Peters.
The club also held their AGM at the clubhouse recently. A successful season, including the first team’s league title, was reflected on, while tributes were paid to outgoing secretary Louise Carrington for her efforts in the position. Officers elected for the 2010/11 season were as follows: president — Nigel Harris; chairman — Paul Simpson; treasurer — Tony Newnham; membership secretary — Will Peters; fixtures secretary — Neil Brading; match secretary — Andy Puckett; social secretary — Dean Jennings; coaching co-ordinator — Dave Metcalfe; first team captain — Gareth Paisley; second team captain — Rob Lilly.
The club formally end the season with their awards evening and dinner dance at Newclose cricket ground tomorrow (Saturday).